Massachusetts politician, lawyer group, accuse ICE of kidnapping, racial profiling, after raid resulted in 8 detained

A Massachusetts politician and Lawyers for Civil Rights are condemning a raid conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a business in Allston that resulted in 8 being placed in custody.

LCR stated that witnesses report that more than twenty ICE officers descended on the business in over a dozen vehicles, surrounding the building.

“Most agents reportedly refused to identify themselves or explain why individuals were being detained or where they were being taken. Several workers were prevented from retrieving personal identity documents from their lockers—documents that would confirm their lawful immigration status and show legal authorization to work in the United States.”

“It’s patently unconstitutional for ICE to target workers based on their appearance, language, and place of employment. Militarized force is an attack on the rights and dignity of immigrant workers,” said Brooke Simone, an attorney with Lawyers for Civil Rights. “ICE’s conduct reflects a pattern of intimidation and racial profiling that undermines both our legal system and our shared values. We will not stand by while hard-working community members are targeted based on the color of their skin and where they work.” 

Boston City Councilor Liz Breadon called it a “kidnapping-plain and simple. It is a horrifying chapter in the illegal and vindictive targeting of Boston by ICE and the Trump Administration.”

ICE has not yet made a public comment concerning the allegations.